Program overview PDF:  “Water for all” Program 2006 - 2007

Queretaro lies in the central, semi-arid part of Mexico known as the Bajio, which is characterized by cactus-filled plains and bordered by rolling mountains from Mexico's neo-volcanic axis. Dotting the plain are thousands of rustic settlements without electricity, sewage, and, most vitally, drinking water.

In accordance with Rotary International's goal to bring drinking water to the world, The Rotary club of Queretaro has delivered 22 drinking water tanks (Sept 2008), each holding 10,000 liters (2,750 gallons), to different villages in the municipality. It is a joint effort; community residents build the base for the tank together, while the Municipality of Queretaro provides the materials for the base. The Rotary Club delivers the custom steel tank, which costs about U.S.D. $3,000.

These tanks have provided more than 5,000 families with a source of drinking water when there is no other, but 25,000 people in Queretaro live without their most vital need. There is much more work to be done.

These tanks were created by Rotary International's Matching Grant Program. The Rotary Club of Queretaro's initial investment of $5,000 in the project, when matched by another Rotary club, both of their districts, and Rotary International, produces a total of $35,000 toward the Project.

In each of their projects, the Rotary Club of Queretaro seeks to create mechanisms to ensure the project's long-standing benefit. To protect the water tanks, the municipality has signed a contract of responsibility. The communities protect the tank in their own self interest and because of the investment they have made to build the tank. Ultimately, if the tank is abused, the Rotary Club of Queretaro retains the right to relocate the tank to a different community.